This could be it for Robinson, who, at 71, has received no assurance from Nationals management that he'll return for a sixth season. He says he'd like a three-year extension, which seems highly improbable.

Robinson, who wore his first big league uniform in 1956 with the Reds, hit 586 home runs, was twice a league MVP and in 1966, his first season with the Orioles, won a triple crown.

He has managed in 17 seasons, some of them well, including 1989, when he was AL manager of the year in Baltimore. He told the Washington Post this week he'd like to know, one way or the other, as the Nationals open a season-ending, six-game homestand Tuesday.

"If it's time to go, at least I want to be able to say goodbye," he said. "I would like to be able to say, to the fans, goodbye -- and thanks."